The Senedd has voted to support the Legislative Consent Motion for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, marking a …
No Ifs. No Butts. Report 22-25
Three years of community intelligence driving enforcement across Wales
Turning Point for Communities and Enforcement Across Wales
Launched in March 2022, the No Ifs. No Butts. reporting portal has reshaped how communities and enforcement teams tackle illegal tobacco, illegal vapes and underage sales.
In just three years it has generated more than a thousand reports, driving enforcement action and showing the power of public engagement.
Trading Standards confirm that intelligence from the portal has led to raids, seizures and shop closures that would not otherwise have taken place. Wales has built a model that is now recognised across the UK.
1,171 reports logged across the UK
The No Ifs. No Butts. portal is now the main route for reporting in Wales. In just three years, people here have submitted 796 reports, compared to only 261 recorded across the whole of Wales back in 2016/17.
By August 2025, 286 reports had already been submitted, putting Wales on track for a record-breaking year. This rise shows how awareness, trust and visibility have transformed public engagement and given Welsh communities a direct line into enforcement.
Total Number Reports UK / Wales
55% of Welsh Reports Are Vape Related
The rise of illegal vapes has transformed reporting. In 2022, vapes were a smaller concern than tobacco. But by 2024, reports of vapes had nearly caught up with tobacco and in 2025 they remain level. Cannabis reports are far fewer but show a consistent presence, often linked to the same shops already flagged for illegal tobacco or vapes.
Total Number Reports Vapes, Illegal Tobacco and Cannabis UK
Safeguarding Drives One in Five Reports
22% of reports mention children or schools in the free-text fields. When the dedicated “Underage Sales” tick-box is included, the total rises to around one-third of all reports (33.6%).
This confirms that safeguarding is the single strongest driver of reporting, with parents, teachers and residents stepping forward to protect young people.
Free-Text Mentions (%) of 1,138 Reports
Where reports are coming from in Wales?
Reports are concentrated in Wales’ biggest urban areas but extend right across the country. Newport leads with 174 reports (22%), the highest both in total numbers and per head of population. Cardiff follows with 134 reports (17%), while Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire together make up over 20% of all Welsh reports, forming a strong North Wales cluster. The South Wales Valleys contribute another 15%, showing that illegal sales are not just a city problem but a widespread issue affecting towns and rural communities alike.
Total Reports By Local Authorities in Wales
Get Involved
We’ve created a set of downloadable graphics to make it easy for schools, community groups, councils and organisations across Wales to share the message: report illegal tobacco and vapes through No Ifs. No Butts.
These graphics include clear calls to action in English and Welsh, showing exactly how to report and why it matters.
Together we can make sure more people across Wales know where to turn if they see illegal sales happening in their communities.
Future Direction
- Provide vital support to enforcement and compliance with The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, ensuring rapid public reporting of breaches and actionable intelligence for Trading Standards.
- Enhance intelligence-sharing across agencies, enabling faster responses and stronger coordination. Support targeted activity in hotspot communities, where illegal sales and youth access are most prevalent.
- Strengthen Wales’ ability to respond rapidly to emerging illicit products and changing tactics in the market. Track emerging products (including nicotine pouches, currently legal for under‑18s) in real time through new reporting fields.
